Turbine Engine Weight/Maintenance Reduction and Reliability Improvement via Fluidic Controlled Inlet Guide Vanes (IGVs) and Stators

In order to maintain the desired high level of performance required by modern military aircraft operating under a wide range of conditions many military engines use variable inlet guide vanes (IGVs). As a result, a significant weight penalty is paid in the form of the IGVs themselves as well as all of the associated linkages and drive hardware required to actuate them. Considering the emphasis that the military places on the thrust to weight ratio of their engines, an alternative that would reduce or eliminate this drawback would be very attractive. In Phase I, Techsburg demonstrate the ability of a fixed-geometry, flow control IGV to replace the variable IGVs. For Phase II, Techsburg is proposing to mature this technology to a TRL of 5 through demonstration in a Honeywell compressor rig at the Compressor Research Facility (CRF).